New York hardcore legends Madball have parted ways with drummer Jay Weinberg, the 20-year-old son of Max Weinberg (Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band).

Commented Madball frontman Freddy Cricien: “I’m letting Jay go (mid-tour) in Canada because I just feel he doesn’t represent this band well on a character level. It would go against my own code of ethics to keep him around. Not saying he’s a bad drummer. I won’t take that away from him. But the reality is — he has a lot to learn about paying dues, and about life in general. Granted, he is a kid, but I’m not sure that he’ll ever be built for this particular lifestyle. I wish him the best of luck, but the Madball machine rolls on!”

Madball will finish out the tour with a soon-to-be-announced replacement drummer. All future band plans, including their upcoming European tour with Sick Of It All, and most importantly, the release of the group’s new album, “Empire”, on October 12, remain unaffected and on schedule. The title track from “Empire” is now available for streaming on the Stereo Killer web site (http://www.stereokiller.com).